Sapphire Energy (San Diego), an algae-based fuels producer; and Linde Group will expand their partnership to commercialize industrial-scale conversion technology needed to upgrade algae biomass into crude oil, both companies announced today. The companies will refine the hydrothermal treatment process developed and currently operated by Sapphire Energy at pilot scale, the company says. In addition, Sapphire Energy and Linde will jointly license and market the technology into an expanded list of industries, including algae, municipal solid waste, and farm waste...